10 editor picks across South Africa.
10 day trips worth the trip across South Africa, editor-ranked by TableJourney. All South Africa guides.
Stellenbosch lies 50 km east of Cape Town and runs the country's first wine route, founded in 1971, with more than 200 producers signed to it.
TipBook one tasting before lunch and one after, and use a driver or a tour: the estates sit on the outskirts of town, a drive apart.
Franschhoek sits 75 km from Cape Town in the valley settled by French Huguenots in 1688, now lined with wine estates, restaurants and a hop on wine tram.
TipBook the Franschhoek Wine Tram ahead, choose one line, and plan lunch at an estate on that line rather than driving between farms.
Hermanus is about 115 km from Cape Town, and the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley behind it holds some fifteen small wineries known above all for Pinot Noir.
TipDrive out on the R44 coast road and back on the N2. The valley runs 20 km up the R320, so pick three cellars, not six.
Paternoster is 145 km north of Cape Town, a whitewashed fishing village where the crayfish comes off the beach and the cooking is done over open fire.
TipGo for lunch and order the crayfish the village is known for, then walk the whitewashed fishermen's cottages down to the beach.
Constantia Valley is 20 km south of Cape Town and holds the oldest vineyards in the country, planted in 1685, with destination restaurants among the vines.
TipThis is the half-day version of the Winelands. Two estates and a long lunch and you are back in town by five.
Paarl is 60 km north-east of Cape Town and the biggest town in the Winelands, built under granite domes with brandy cellars and old cooperative wineries.
TipPaarl is the brandy end of the Winelands. Pair a cellar tour with a late lunch on the Berg River rather than trying to fit two tastings in.
Noordhoek is 35 km south of Cape Town under Chapman's Peak, a farm village with a vineyard above the beach and the road to Cape Point beyond it.
TipChapman's Peak is a toll road and closes in high wind. Check before you go or you will be sent back over Ou Kaapse Weg.
Elgin Valley sits 70 km south-east of Cape Town behind the Hottentots Holland, apple country that now makes cool-climate wine, cider and orchard lunches.
TipTake the N2 over Sir Lowry's Pass on a clear day for the view across False Bay; the valley stays quieter at weekends than the big wine routes.
Riebeek Valley is 75 km north-east of Cape Town, Swartland olive and Shiraz country around Riebeek Kasteel, believed to be one of the oldest villages in SA.
TipThe Swartland Olive Festival fills Riebeek Kasteel's town square on the last weekend of September; book ahead if you go then.
Darling lies 75 km north of Cape Town, a West Coast farming village with a craft brewery, a handful of farm kitchens and a wildflower season in spring.
TipTime the trip for the spring wildflowers, then stop at the Darling Brew Tasteroom or Evita se Perron before driving back.
Day trip · 8 hours
Experience whale watching in Hermanus, visit African penguins, and enjoy wine tasting in the scenic Hemel-en-Aarde Valley on a full-day Cape Town coastal adventure.
Day trip · 8 hours
Start with a convenient Pickup from your Hotel Accommodation before Embarking on a Safari from Cape Town to Aquila Safari Game Reserve. Enjoy a buffet lunch, spot the ...
Day trip · 4h 30m
Explore Stellenbosch on horseback with a private guided ride through scenic vineyards, then unwind with local snacks and a bottle of wine. A perfect blend of adventure...